East PDX News

Creek cleaners help turn ‘sewer’ into viable natural habitat

Why would more than 400 volunteers tromp around Johnson Creek on a dismal winter day? Read this article, and you’ll discover why this waterway is so special to so many‚

Westmoreland residents Christine Steele and Joe Liedezeit are doing their part, cleaning the banks of Johnson Creek.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The invitation to this party read, “Be sure to bring your bad weather clothing and boots”. But the drippy, dreary weather on March 3 didn’t keep the more than 400 volunteers from slopping around, as they worked to improve the health of Johnson Creek.

We enquired to find out why so many people turned out for the annual “work party” sponsored by the Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC).

Walt Mintkeski works at the “Bundy Site” in outer East Portland, near SE 141st Avenue and Foster Rd.

Grew up on the Creek

“Our family grew up on the Creek,” explained Walt Mintkeski, JCWC’s treasurer. “We’ve lived in the Eastmoreland neighborhood since 1975. I took my kids down to the creek.”

At the time, Mintkeski told us, Johnson Creek looked like a storm sewer ‚Äì perhaps even a sanitary sewer. Instead of grousing, he started a group called Friends of Johnson Creek to do something to improve its condition. “About the same time, the City of Portland started an effort to plan for Johnson Creek. That evolved into the Johnson Creek Watershed Council.”

Gradually, Mintkeski observed, the public is seeing Johnson Creek as a valuable public asset. “It is a wildlife corridor, a waterway. Through our efforts, we making Johnson Creek into a place we can respect and of which we can be proud. There’s a lot of recreation and wildlife potential here.”

Clean-up stretches from Gresham to the Willamette
Mintkeski said that more than 400 volunteers, at ten different sites, were working along the Creek that day.

Inner SE Portland residents Yarrow Murphy and Gibran Ramos say worked at the 169th and Foster site.

Volunteers went to work where they were needed. Brooklyn area residents Yarrow Murphy and Gibran Ramos drove out to help at the SE 169th Ave. and Foster Rd. work site.

“We’re graduate students,” Yarrow said studiously. “It’s nice to get out and do something other than study. We planted trees and picked up some trash. It was great. I feel good about it.”

Gibran added learnedly, “It was a good break from studying. I like getting out and being in nature. It felt good to plant trees and make the site look a little nicer.”

JCWC “chili chef” Marty Urman checks her vats of steaming hot potage.

Chili feed warms workers
After working in the rain for hours, volunteers were invited to several sites for hot lunches. They dug into bowls of freshly made chili, accompanied by breads and cookies.

We stopped in at JCWC headquarters located in Milwaukie, and talked with chief chili chef Marty Urman.

“I do graphic arts work for the council,” Urman reported, “but I’m volunteering today. I made about 20 gallons of chili. We’re feeding eighty hungry volunteers at this site.”

Ready for some hot chili is METRO Counselor Robert Liberty.

“We got to see things we planted last year near Crystal Springs, commented District 6 METRO Counselor Robert Liberty, as he prepared to tuck into a bowl of red. “I was on the mulch ‘bucket brigade’ this year. We were sinking in our boots ‘up to here’. But, we had a lot of people who were helping out.”

We asked Liberty why he volunteered for the clean-up.

“Why volunteer?” he responded. “I want Johnson Creek to be a living creek. I’d like to see someone pull a Steelhead out of it some day.”

Lents open house highlights Johnson Creek changes

Neighbors confess they feel a mixture of relief and concern about the changes being charted for wetlands surrounding the creek ‚Ä¶

Lents neighbor Chris Bodine is about ready to mark the location of his property with a push pin, as he talks with Marie Johnson, BES, Program Coordinator Johnson Creek Watershed program

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Most of the people coming to the Johnson Creek Wetlands open house at Lent Elementary School a few weeks ago were neighbors whose property abuts the proposed work sites.

East Lents Project
“We’re here to let folks know about the East Lents Project,” says Marie Johnson, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Program Coordinator Johnson Creek Watershed program. “This project will be adding flood storage and making habitat improvement south of Foster Road, between what was known as ‘Freeway Land’ property and the Brookside property that BES renovated several years ago.”

The project, Johnson tells us, will make Lents a better place to live and work. “For many years, flooding has been a problem in Lents. The East Lents project will be adding flood storage near SE Foster Road.”

A FEMA grant for $2.7 Million will fund the first phase of the project, Johnson says; and BES is kicking in almost another $1 Million to make that happen. This project is currently in its design phase.

“In addition to providing flood storage,” adds Johnson, “it will be a nicer place for the community. Having some of the flooding issues addressed makes it easier for businesses to invest in the community.”

Lents neighbor Chris Bodine tells us he came to the open house to find out what is happening to the property adjacent to his.

“I’ve been watching them buy up houses around the area and remove some of them. It is all getting overgrown with blackberries. With a lot of homeless and transient coming in and camping in the area, I’d like to see it cleaned up,” says Bodine.

Lents resident Chuck Olney talks with Jeremy Weber, Project Manager, Army Corps of Engineers, about the Johnson Creek Springwater Project, as does neighbor Tom Larson.

Army Corps’ Springwater Project
We also learn the Army Corps of Engineers is working on a project to improve the habitat all along the Springwater Corridor, between Begger’s Tick Marsh and Banger Park.

“It’s important, because it will improve habitat for wildlife,” is how Jeremy Weber, Project Manager for the Army Corps of Engineers, Johnson Creek Springwater Project, put it to us.

Weber adds, “It will give neighbors access off the Springwater Trail. It will open up a lot of things to see; it will be educational for the kids. About a third of what we do these days is environmental work. This is under our Section 206 Authority, which is aquatic ecosystem restoration.

The project that runs from SE 111th to 121st Avenue along the Springwater Trail Corridor in Lents is a shared effort between the federal government and the City of Portland’s BES.

“Currently we’re working on the feasibility study to be completed this year,” says Weber. “Construction will begin when we get federal funding.”

The object of this project is to allow more water to flow into the wetland property. “There was a lot of fill in this area,” explains Weber. “We’ll be removing a lot of that. Also, look for improvements to the area like more interpretative signage, and a parking lot to access the Springwater Trail.”

Privacy concerns
Neighbor Tom Larson says his concerns are security and loss of privacy.

“Also, I want to know when it will start. My property is adjacent to this project. I know the area on one side and behind me was designated wetland owned by City of Portland; so no one can build there.

“It will be a great project as long as they take seriously privacy and security issues ‚Äì I don’t want people who are wandering through the area to wander into my yard.”

Homemade stories, told in shadow and light at Sellwood Library

One look at the young lady’s face, and you’ll see why we’re bringing you this story. Take a peek! And, this great workshop comes to Midland Library on March 27 (see how to register)‚

Using her hand-made shadow puppet, Audrey tells a story to her father, Shawn Smallman, and class teacher Kathy Karbo, at the Sellwood Branch Library.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
As part of the Multnomah County Library’s “Every Family Reads” program, a most unique workshop took place on March 10 at the Sellwood Branch Library.

“Today’s featured book,” says instructor Kathy Karbo, “is ‘The End of the Beginning’. We’re making shadow puppets, and telling stories with them.”

This kind of play, Karbo explains, helps youngsters understand the basics of storytelling. “Theater starts with light and shadow. Shadow puppets also help children realize they can create their own stories without elaborate tools or props.”

Cultures all over the world use puppets for storytelling and for children’s theater, Karbo says. “And, children get to learn shapes and patterns. It teaches them skills in learning to use tools to make things. They get to use their bodies; it shows them that storytelling and acting doesn’t only happen from the neck up.”

Comes to outer East Portland March 27
You and your kids can participate in the Shadow Puppet Workshop! You’ll explore light, shadow and movement with artist Kathy Karbo as she shows you how to make your own shadow puppet.

Registration is required; register online, in the library or by calling (503) 988-5234. The workshop runs from 6:30-8 p.m.

The place: your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.; call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

Homeowners flock to Eastmoreland Remodeling Faire

Why pay to visit the Convention Center or Expo, when you can meet contractors right in your own neighborhood? Looks like the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association is on to something‚

Nearly 300 Eastmoreland neighbors came to see the exhibits and talk with the vendors at this Faire.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While it seemed like a good idea, board members of the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association (ENA) wondered if anyone would actually come‚ on a weeknight‚ to their first Remodeling Faire.

The organizers looked delighted on March 8, when a steady stream of homeowners poured into, and circulated around, the exhibits set up at the Duniway School cafeteria.

Steve and Mary Baker, organizers of the Remodeling Faire, say it was a success.

“A lot of remodeling and restoration goes on in Eastmoreland,” said Steve Baker, ENA, board member and webmaster. “We thought it would be good to bring the contractors here to meet with homeowners.”

Baker credited fellow board member, Bert Sperling, with hatching the concept a few years ago.

“In addition to providing a good event for the neighbors,” Baker added, “this event is helping us raise money for street trees, as well as our neighborhood garden, which needs a lot of maintenance.”

Steven Klingerman with Sovereign Construction explains his company’s services to neighbor Rosalind Schreiber.

Homeowners and contractors pleased
Taking a break from looking at exhibitors, Eastmoreland neighbor Rosalind Schreiber told us, “We did a major remodel about four years ago, but we’re looking at other projects. This is great. Having everybody in one place is convenient, but isn’t overwhelming, like the Remodeling Show.”

Most important to her, Schreiber commented, was that all of the exhibitors at the event have done work in Eastmoreland.

“This event helps us meet people who might use our work,” is how Steven Klingerman with Sovereign Construction felt about it. “Even more, it gives us the chance to meet, face-to-face, to answer questions and learn about homeowners’ needs.”

Jane Morrison, Architectural Heritage Center.

Old and new, and ice cream too
For those who needed a quick pick-me-up at the four-hour, evening event ‚Äì or wanted to appease antsy kids‚ Woodstock’s Island Creamery was on hand, providing coffee, soft drinks, ice cream, and cookies.

“This is the place to be!” exclaimed Jane Morrison, with the Architectural Heritage Center. “We have been around for a number of years helping people who like old buildings. We have classes and exhibits about old buildings. Being here with businesses in who restore and repair older buildings is a good match for us.”

What is the ENA up to next? Find out by checking their website at www.eastmoreland.org.

Homeowners flock to Eastmoreland Remodeling Faire

Why pay to visit the Convention Center or Expo, when you can meet contractors right in your own neighborhood? Looks like the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association is on to something‚

Nearly 300 Eastmoreland neighbors came to see the exhibits and talk with the vendors at this Faire.

The organizers looked delighted on March 8, when a steady stream of homeowners poured into, and circulated around, the exhibits set up at the Duniway School cafeteria.

Steve and Mary Baker, organizers of the Remodeling Faire, say it was a success.

Baker credited fellow board member, Bert Sperling, with hatching the concept a few years ago.

Steven Klingerman with Sovereign Construction explains his company’s services to neighbor Rosalind Schreiber.

Most important to her, Schreiber commented, was that all of the exhibitors at the event have done work in Eastmoreland.

Jane Morrison, Architectural Heritage Center.

What is the ENA up to next? Find out by checking their website at www.eastmoreland.org.

Cleveland High hosts Mayor’s ‘Budget Forum’

Learn what citizens had to say about the new, round-robin format designed to encourage more input regarding the Portland City budget ‚Ä¶

The organizer of the event, Laurel Butman, of the Portland Office of Management and Finance, talks with Mayor Tom Potter, at the SE Portland meeting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In an effort to strip away the mystery of the City of Portland’s budget process, the City’s Office of Management and Finance has created a new “citizens’ forum” format.

Instead of having a parade of City officials talk amongst themselves ‚Äì with little citizen input ‚Äì a new “round-robin” format was instituted at the meeting a couple of weeks ago at Cleveland High School, on S.E. Powell Boulevard.

Hundreds of people, from the far corners of outer East Portland ‚Äì to the close-in neighbors from inner SE Portland packed the school’s cafeteria.

Potter pleased with project
“I’m a graduate of this fine institution,” Mayor Tom Potter told us at the forum.

“This forum is a way for citizens to provide us input about what they think is important. It gives them a chance to look at what we are recommending. If there are things we need to add, they let us know.”

Looking out over a sea of tables, charts, and people, the mayor told us how this event differs from ones held in the past. “We have a table for each of the major bureaus of the city. There are some initiatives hosting tables, also — including public safety and Children’s Bill of Rights.”

Surrounding the room were tables for neighborhood and community services. Sylvia Bogert, the executive director for SW Neighborhoods, Inc., and Cece Hughley Noe, the executive director of the Southeast Uplift Coalition agency. The latter explained, “We’re working together to show our support for the Office of Neighborhood Involvement budget.”

Citizens spent about ten minutes at each table, looking over the proposed budget for that particular department, and gave their input and listened to the opinions of others. Then, they rang a bell, and people changed tables.

Mayor Tom Potter, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, and Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten told what they learned at this forum.

Commissioners comments
Wrapping up the evening, top city officials talked with the attendees.

“I’ve sat in at several of the tables,” commented Potter. “People are asking really good questions. It saves citizens time; we get more input of a higher quality. I think the result is much more effective.”

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman said “I like it. I was able to wander around and hear many thoughtful comments at the tables. We’ll take the ideas. I appreciate the enthusiasm for sustainable development and parks, Children’s Bill of Rights, and other initiatives the City Council supports.”

“This has been really been fun”, enthused Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten. “I’ve had more in-depth conversations that I usually get. We were just talking about affordable housing. I do think it is important that we get good feedback from all of the tables. Having more in-depth discussions is more helpful than two-minute ‘hits’ from a few people. I heard a lot about how the City can better integrating projects and programs. You’ve set the bar very high.”

The tables were filled with citizens — learning more about the city’s budget, and asking probing questions about expenditures.

Many people at the event with whom we spoke were upbeat about the new format.

Business and housing concerns
Nancy Chapin, from the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, said she liked hearing that more storefront-improvement funds will go to businesses outside the Urban Renewal Districts. “As important as housing is, I’m still concerned there is still way too much housing in southeast Portland with not nearly enough community development. The city is still spending too much money downtown.”

“Did you feel you’d been heard?” we asked.

“Well, they wrote it down,” Chapin replied.

View from Mt. Tabor
Neighborhood activist Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association and chair of SE Uplift, commented, “There is some good projects here, but we have more good projects than we have money to fund. I hope the community will stay engaged and continue to have a voice in this process.”

We asked Leistner if he thought city officials were really listening. “I saw comments being written down. I know it doesn’t stop here. We have to continue to be heard to make sure the programs we feel are important get funded.”

Transportation topics
Marianne Colgrove, vice chair of SE Uplift, and Secretary of the Ardenwald/Johnson Creek neighborhood told us she liked being able to ask questions of city officials. “It was important to hear other people’s concerns. But I felt that the time at the tables wasn’t long enough.”

Colgrove said the major issues in her neighborhood are transportation and transportation safety. “Including a lot of the things people mentioned — pedestrian and bike safety, ‘Safe Routes to School’, traffic calming within the city to make it safer when not in a car.”

NE Portland resident Dave Lister said he liked being able to look over the City’s complete line-item budget, on display at the forum.

And finally, a quip from Lister ‚Ä¶
A former City Counsel candidate, Dave Lister said this format was “much improved”, and quipped, “When [former mayor] Vera Katz ran these [forum meetings], they presented the budget in such a sophomoric fashion, they should have handed out coloring crayons!”

Classic ballet performance graces Gateway stage

This is your invitation to experience real culture‚ in outer East Portland! Read this, and you’ll be calling to get tickets for Metro Dancers’ new show, presented March 17 and 24‚

Preparing for their roles in the ballet “La Fille Mal Gardee” are Metro Dancers Moriah Newman, Amy Johnson, Krista Bennett, Lorianne Barclay, Bridgette Emard, Meng Paulson, and Helen Rappe.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
You don’t have to drive and park downtown to treat yourself (and friends) to a great program of ballet.

Presenting both matinee and evening shows, the Portland Metro Performing Arts Center proudly presents the Metro Dancers’ production of La Fille Mal Gardee.

Metro Dancers prepare, as rehearsal gets under way their Spring production.

From what we saw during the rehearsal, the entire family will enjoy this colorful dance program.

You don’t need to speak French to enjoy “La Fille Mal Gardee” ‚Äì the story is acted out in dance. It’s a comic tale that unfolds as its characters romp through the timeless entanglements of love and marriage.

You’ll hear wonderful music, see the dancers dressed in professional costumes, marvel at the sets, and fully enjoy seeing the dancers’ skill as they make this story come alive.

Metro Dancers Nigel Swehla, Calvin Fackrell, and David Larison make a breathtaking catch after full-time PMPA volunteer Len Mills leaps into the air.

Shows on March 17 and 24
Metro Dancers present La Fille Mal Gardee is presented on both days at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Tickets, at the door are: Adult $18, Children $12; Pre-Sale Price: HS/Adult $15, Children $10. Reserve your seats now by calling (503) 408-0604, emailing us at info@PDXMetroArts.org or in person at the PMPA box office.

Portland Metro Performing Arts Center is located at 9933 SE Pine St. (just north of E. Burnside St.) in Gateway.

‘Intentionally set’ blaze damages Parkrose home

No one was injured in the fire, officials say; but you’ll see the damage this conflagration caused to a home in this quiet neighborhood in outer NE Portland ‚Ä¶

Neighbors say things are usually pretty quiet along the 10600 block of NE Knott St., where this fire took place.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Damage to the modest, one-story frame home in the 10600 block of NE Knott St. in Parkrose isn’t great. But, how ‚Äì and why ‚Äì the fire started concerns some area neighbors.

Youngster spots blaze
“I saw a light in front of our house,” explains Jesse Almasan, whose family lives across the street from the fire-damaged home.

“I thought it was my sister coming back from the library.” The young man continues. “I looked out the window and saw a house burning. I called my

Dad and told him to call 9-1-1 because the neighbor’s house, across the street was on fire.”

When neighbor Jesse Almasan saw fire, he made sure his dad quickly called 9-1-1.

The helpful neighbor says he could see fire burning out from the front of the house. “You could really see the flames. It’s too bad this happened. I used to mow the lawn for the lady who owns the house.”

Police arrive before firefighters
Jesse’s father, George Almasan, picks up the story: “Two police cars were here in less than two minutes, and asked if someone was in the house. It looked as if it was empty because no cars were around it in the driveway. I thought there was someone there.”

Telling us his family has lived there for 19 years, the father adds, “l sorry for them. We got to know them. They are very nice people. It is very sad.”

Other neighbors also report seeing police cars arrive before fire units. We’re told that one individual, exhibiting signs of emotional distress, is seen being escorted out by officers.

In the chief’s words
“We have a fire in a single-family residence,” confirms Battalion Chief Chris Babcock.

One occupant was transported by ambulance to Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital, Babcock tells us on scene. “Her exact situation ‚Ä¶ nothing fire-related. The individual was taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Engine 12 is the first to arrive, quickly followed by an engine, truck, and rescue unit from Station 2. Crews from Stations 19 and 7 also respond to the fire.

An individual, whom neighbors say lives in the home, looks on as firefighters make sure the fire is completely out.

Word from the experts: Fire intentionally set
Although this incident remains under investigation, Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt later tells us they believe the fire was “intentionally set”.

“It may look like the home was severely damaged,” Oswalt continues, “but crews knocked down the fire in minutes. It was hot enough to burn off the PP&L power line, but the fire was contained in the carport area. The home mostly suffered only smoke damage.”

No smoke detectors
There were no smoke detectors in the home, Oswalt adds. “There’s no reason NOT to have a working smoke detector. Today’s units are reliable and inexpensive. And, we have a program that will supply ‚Äì and will even mount ‚Äì a smoke detector in a home of anyone who can’t afford one.”

To learn the conditions that apply to that offer, citizens can call the Smoke Detector Hotline at (503) 823-3752.

“One last thing,” Oswalt adds, “we’ve had several apartment fires in East Portland. Please remind tenants that the landlord is required, by law, to provide a working smoke alarm. They are also responsible for testing it on a regular basis, to ensure that it will give residents the early warning they need, in the event of a fire.”

Dope peddler’s potshots at cop propel him toward prison

Here’s the whole story of why SE 39th Ave. & Holgate St., including the Woodstock Trader Joe’s, was shut down on March 12‚ and, learn about the man police are honoring as a hero for fingering the alleged felon‚

All through the evening of March 12, traffic was routed around the crime scene where a wanted man shot at police officer‚ for no apparent reason.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What starts off as a routine traffic stop turns into a one-sided shooting spree and manhunt on Monday, March 12.

Folks driving home from work, perhaps planning to shop at Trader Joe’s on SE 39th Ave. south of Holgate Boulevard, find area streets blocked off with yellow “police crime scene” tape.

At traffic stop, passenger opens fire
“About 5:20 p.m., Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct Officer Robert Wullbrandt pulled over a black Buick Regal for a traffic violation,” Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells us on scene.

Schmautz says the car pulled in to the north end of the Trader Joe’s parking lot, followed by Wullbrandt’s patrol car. Inexplicably, as the officer is starting to chat with the driver of the auto he stopped, a passenger “bolts out of the car’s backseat and starts running eastbound across SE 39th Ave.”

As Wullbrandt chases after the fleeing man, the subject turns, takes aim, and fires his semiautomatic weapon at the officer. Because of Wullbrandt’s training, the officer resists the impulse to return fire and risk wounding the many bystanders.

As the gunman nears SE Holgate Boulevard, he stumbles, turns, and shoots again, before disappearing around the corner.

Members of the Special Emergency Reaction Team direct the evacuation of nearby residents and begin to negotiate with the alleged gunman from their post in the Trader Joe’s parking lot on SE. 39th Street.

The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) is activated, the area is cordoned off.

Biker aids cops
Meantime, while the foot chase passes him, Greg Geist is astride his motorcycle, stopped at a red light on 39th at Holgate.

“I heard a gunshot, and saw a man fall,” Geist reports. “He got up and continued running, chased by a police officer. He had a semi-automatic pistol in his right hand.”
As the alleged shooter continues running in a labored jog, Geist finds himself in the dangerous position of being between the suspect and the officer, as Officer Wullbrandt ducks for cover.

The vehicle from which the gunman leaped is parked right where it was originally stopped for an unsafe lane change, in the Trader Joe’s parking lot.

Watches shooter’s getaway into apartment
Geist watches the suspect hike down Holgate. Still on his bike, Geist follows the man who had the gun into an apartment complex, and notes that he enters an apartment through a particular sliding glass door.

The alert motorcyclist then returns to the intersection to give officers a detailed description of the man he followed, and points out the specific apartment the suspect had entered.

The SERT officers evacuate nearby residents. After several hours, Hostage Negotiators talk the suspect into surrendering, and he is taken into custody without incident.

Police allege this man, 24-year-old Nicholas Ramon Onuskanvich, is the person who took a couple of poorly-aimed shots at the officer.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Ramon Onuskanvich, is booked into jail on an outstanding warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, plus ‚Äì now — one count of Attempted Aggravated Murder.

Afterward, geist called a hero
At a ceremony held on Friday, March 16, at the Portland Justice Center, Greg Geist’s actions are lauded.

At the March 16 commendation ceremony are Officer Robert Wullbrandt, Greg Geist, Police Spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, and Portland’s Police Chief, Rosie Sizer.

Geist’s commendation reads, in part, “Without Mr. Geist’s assistance, even with a thorough canvassing of the area, the dangerous suspect might not have been found. Mr. Geist’s detailed description of the events and the suspect was a tremendous assist to all involved.”

Chief Sizer presents the Citizens Medal of Heroism to Greg Geist.

Just before she hangs a medallion around Geist’s neck, Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer says, “We all wonder, in a crisis, how we would react. Mr. Geist, you acted very well. You helped police officers in a time of real jeopardy. You helped all of us, by getting a dangerous person off the streets. And you did so, exercising good judgment and calculating the risk. I, and all of our officers, appreciate your actions that day.

“On behalf of the Portland Police Bureau, I present you with the Citizens Medal of Heroism.”

Looking somewhat overwhelmed by his tribute, Geist thanks the Portland Police Bureau for honoring him.

An unassuming champion responds
After being presented with a card from the Police Association’s Robert King, Geist steps forward.

“When I came here today, I’d hope to meet Chief Sizer to tell her how impressed I was with every police officer I came in contact on Monday. They were very professional and humane. Thank you all.”

Reporters ask Geist to show his medal.

Talking with reporters, Geist answers their questions: “No, I didn’t feel in danger. My heart raced a little bit when I saw both the officer and the gunman with their guns out. I just followed him, and kept an eye on him.”

Sharing his proud moment with fianc?©e Kim Powers, Geist confides that the couple is to be married August 4.

Pedestrian slain crossing SE Division Street

Police say an elderly lady stepped out into traffic; read on to see what officials said about the driver that hit her ‚Ä¶

Looking west on SE Division Street, police say this blue Geo hit and killed the woman as she crossed the busy street on Saturday.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Another pedestrian was killed in outer East Portland on March 10.

Information about the accident that took the life of an 87-year-old woman as she crossed SE Division St. near SE 170th Ave. on a busy Saturday morning, minutes before noon.

“According to information gathered by Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct officers and Traffic Division Fatal Investigators,” says spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “it appears that the deceased stepped into the street from between two cars, and may not have been visible until just prior to the collision.”

Paramedics from Gresham Fire Bureau treat the woman who is said to have been driving the vehicle involved in the accident.

Investigators believe the collision occurred when the deceased begin to walk northbound across Division St. and was hit by the driver of a Geo, traveling eastbound on Division St.

“Immediately upon arrival,” Schmautz continues, “officers found the body of a woman who appeared to have sustained numerous injuries in the collision.”

Noontime Saturday Division St. traffic is snarled for hours while the crash scene is investigated.

Driver visibly shaken
59-year-old Shirley Robinson, the driver of a Geo, waited near the crash scene.

“Investigators found no evidence of impairment and speed is not a factor in the collision,” Schmautz comments.

Authorities are postponing the release of the deceased’s name until after her family is notified.

Cops chase unconscious driver from Wilkes to Glenfair

Police race to investigate calls about a “Cadillac driving itself ‚Äì badly”. Curiosity turns to concern for the officers, when the sedan charges, head-on, toward their patrol cars ‚

By coordinating their efforts, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Tommy Newberry and Sgt. Dave Steele bring the car‚ said to be driven by a nearly-unconscious woman‚ to a safe stop.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Although it may have sounded like a prank, 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers take seriously the calls about a “Cadillac driving itself ‚Äì badly” on March 14.

“Calls started coming at 12:20 p.m.,” reports Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “from people saying they were seeing a blue Cadillac driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of NE Sandy Blvd. Reports ranged from describing the car as being unoccupied to others saying the driver had to be drunk, high, or unconscious.”

The “undriven” car veers south
Somehow, the Cadillac turns south on NE 162nd Ave.

East Precinct Officer Schultz sees the careening Caddy first, as it passes NE Stanton St. in Wilkes.

“Near NE Halsey St.,” says Sgt. Dave Steele as he picks up the story, “I see the car, on the wrong side of NE 162nd, coming directly at me, head-on. I swerve off the road to avoid a head-on collision.”

As the big blue sedan passes, Steele says, he sees an elderly lady in the drivers seat. “I noticed her mouth was open, her eyes were looking up, and she was leaning back and appeared to be having a seizure or was unconscious.”

East Precinct Officer Tommy Newberry shows us the small damage his unique intervention technique caused to his vehicle.

Charges another patrol car
As the mostly out-of-control Caddy continues its southbound spree, Officer Tommy Newberry spots the car.

“Driving north on NE 162nd Ave., south of Halsey St., and I see Schultz, Steele, and the Cadillac. It crosses the center line of the road, heading right toward me. I swerved out of the way. As it went by, I could see a tiny, elderly lady in the driver’s seat.”

The woman, Newberry says, isn’t “actively driving the car. She’s slumped down, clearly not in control of the vehicle”.

Glisan St. looms
Sgt. Steele performs a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, unsuccessfully. The Cadillac swerves and then continues ahead at 35 mph.

“It looked likely she was going to drive through the red light, and plow into cross traffic at NE Glisan St,” Newberry continues. “Another PIT could have thrown the car out of control. I came up next to her car, steered into it, and gave it all the horsepower I safely could. I left about 70 feet of good burnout marks on the pavement as I pushed the car into the curb. But, the car was still trying to surge out of the stop.”

At the same time, Officer Schultz placed the push bumper of his patrol car against the rear side of the Cadillac. Sgt. Steele finally halted the run-away Caddy by nosing in, pinning it in place.

Everyone involved, including driver, 87-year-old Alma McKnight, later found to be driving on a suspended license, escaped the oddball pursuit and stop without injury.

Driver uninjured, but unconscious
Paramedics from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 74 assist removing the driver, identified as McKnight, out of her vehicle. She is found to be uninjured by the officer’s actions but is unresponsive. McKnight is Portland Adventist Hospital for medical attention.
Citizens lead cheer

Several citizens look on, and cheer the officers for bringing one of the most unusual pursuits in East Precinct history to a safe ending.

“It’s amazing to me,” Newberry muses, “that there are no injures or serious damage caused here today.”

McKnight is later revealed to have a suspended driver’s license, due to an undisclosed “medical condition”.

Despite all that happened, she told KATU-TV afterward, in a broadcast interview, that “I never drove through a red light, I never drove on the wrong side of the street, the police damaged my car; it’s age discrimination. I definitely will keep driving.”

Look out.

Rose Festival Princesses picked in East Portland

Parkrose crowns Margaret Drew, the little gal with the big singing voice; David Douglas chooses Chelsea Linn.

The students at Parkrose High School select Margaret Ann Drew to be their Portland Rose Festival Princess. (Portland Rose Festival Photo)

Story and archive photos by David F. Ashton
While other folks across Portland are just learning about Margaret Drew, we feel fortunate to have watched her “grow up” as a musician and performer at Parkrose High School.

The daughter of Jane and Bill Drew, she’s a Parkrose native. Margaret attended Sacramento Elementary, Parkrose Middle School, and, in three months, she’ll be a graduate of Parkrose High School.

Princess Margaret stands with the other contenders for her title. (Portland Rose Festival Photo)

Asked about what’s in store for her after high school, plans, she said, “I plan to attend a four-year university to study art and music.”

A true performer, Princess Margaret is a member of the Parkrose High School Debonair and A-Choir. She’s also a fourth year member and captain of the dance team. On stage, she had a supporting role in their theatre production of Sound of Music and a lead role in last year’s production of Pirates of Penzance. “I am a three-year member of Student Council, and a member of National Honor Society,” she adds.

Princess Margaret, ready to perform with the Parkrose Debonairs choir.

Princess Margaret said she enjoys attending the national convention for Little People of America. “I am also a teen coordinator for the SED and Kniest Syndrome Organization,” said continued.

In her words ‚Ä¶
Read, here, her speech she gave on March 9th at the Parkrose Rose Festival Court Selection competition, and you’ll know why she was crowned princess ‚Ä¶

“When I sat down to think about this year’s theme, ‘A Century of Celebration,’ I thought to myself, ‘Where would I have been 100 years ago? Would I have been standing on this stage in front of all of you?’

“Probably not. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit shorter than the rest of you. But really, being a Little Person in Parkrose, in 2007, hasn’t been a problem. As Mr. Reynolds [Parkrose High principal] always says, ‘Diversity is what makes Parkrose so great!’

“Mr. Reynolds, I agree with you.

“In my opinion however, it is not diversity that makes Parkrose great. It is the acceptance and celebration of diversity that makes Parkrose so unique. As a diverse member of this community, I have experienced this acceptance first hand.

“Take for example, my one and only experience running the 100-meter dash. My opponents took only a second to cross the finish line. For me, it seemed like it took a century! Nevertheless, my teammates waited for me at the end, cheering me on, while my coach walked alongside me as I ran!

“Or my time spent on the dance team. Even though I do half turns while other dancers are doing double turns, I have never felt I wasn’t as good. And I know my coaches spend extra time just finding ways to fit me in the routines.”

Jonathan Wheatfall and Margaret Drew, performing their lead roles in the production of The Pirates of Penzance.

“And let us not forget the special rock designed so that I could be eye level with my leading man in Pirates of Penzance!

“Whether or not I would have been standing here in front of you a century ago, I am here now, and proud to know that no matter who I am or what I look like, I am accepted as one of us, one of the diverse members of Parkrose.

“Someone once said, ‘Diversity is the one true thing we have in common. Celebrate it everyday.’ Today we celebrate the past one hundred years and each other. Tomorrow let us strive to share this acceptance and celebration of diversity with the world.”

David Douglas High School’s Rose Festival tiara presented to Chelsea Allison Linn

Portland Rose Festival Princess Chelsea Allison Linn represents David Douglas High School

Ronald and Dawnelle Linn have a newly crowned princess in the family: Chelsea Linn.

Educated in outer East Portland, Princess Chelsea attended Harold Oliver Elementary School, Centennial Middle School, and will soon graduate from David Douglas High School.

Asked about her plans, Princess Chelsea says, “I was accepted to Brigham Young University, and will attend there for four years. I am excited to go, and plan to keep up my grade as I have done in high school. The fields I am interested in are science and dance. As I move through my college career, I plan to learn and experience these more. Once I graduate I hope to obtain a career in one of these fields.”

When she’s not studying, Princess Chelsea says she enjoys dance, reading, surfing, beading, art, acting, interior and fashion design, shopping, spending time with friends, and helping others.

In the David Douglas High School Theater production of Peter Pan late last year, Princess Chelsea, as Tiger Lily, forges an alliance with Peter.

The David Douglas princess lists her activities and honors: Varsity Dance Team Captain, Varsity Dance for three years, Science Club, National Honor Society, LINK Crew, Student of the Month, 4.0 Student, and played the role of Tiger Lily in the musical Peter Pan.

In her spare time Princess Chelsea has been: Young Women’s Church Group Leader, Girl’s Camp Junior Counselor, Girl’s Camp President, and a member of Dance Committee.

In her words ‚Ä¶
Learn more about Princess Chelsea Linn, from the speech she gave at the David Douglas High School Rose Festival Pageant ‚Ä¶

“A century: 100 years, or 1200 months, or 67,200 weeks, or 470,400 days. A century is built one day at a time. This last century has been full of days for celebration. It seems to me that every day should be a celebration, not just the few days that we recognize.

“In ‘Alice and Wonderland’ there is one character that embodies this idea: The Mad Hatter. He celebrated every day as a un-birthday. Though he went about it in rather unprecedented ways, he had the right idea.

‘Take a normal high-schooler’s day for example: You wake up, much too tired from being on MySpace all night; and your hair is just not cooperating. You hastily eat breakfast so you aren’t late to class, and leave the house in a rush. On your way to school you notice you spilt breakfast on your favorite jeans. Just as you are arriving, you are attacked by a big dog that rips your pants to get your remaining breakfast, and eats your homework.”

Princess Chelsea stands with the other contenders for her title. (Portland Rose Festival Photo)

“Just as your life seems really lousy, you walk into school and find out that it is a late-arrival day, and have to wait around for two hours for school to start. So you have two choices at this point. You can hate life and curse the dog that ripped your favorite jeans, or you can realize that this day is going to be great because you are going to make it great. You even might have something to celebrate about. The kind dog took away your embarrassing breakfast stain, and made your pants highly fashionable because holes are ‘in’.

“This situation might be a little extreme, but the point is the same. We have the control to make each day what we want it to be. You will only have a bad day if you choose to.

“You can celebrate EVERY DAY. Life doesn’t always work out they way you think it should, but you can always look for the bright side of things. For example, in this country, education is available to everyone, which is a pretty good thing most days.

“We need to be the examples for the world. In this day and age everything is so negative and there is constantly talk of war, depression and suffering, we can step out of that, and celebrate the ordinary, our family our friends, and our lives. Remember — a century is built one day at a time. Celebrate your days, and continue to live this celebration into the next century.”

Congratulations
We at East Portland News Service extend our sincerer congratulations to our outer East Portland Rose Festival Princesses.